Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage in California
Published: 02/10/2025 | Updated: 02/10/2025
Driving in California means sharing the road with millions of others—many of whom don’t carry enough insurance, or any at all. Unfortunately, when an accident happens, you could be left footing the bill if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. That’s where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage steps in.
For many Californians, these policies can be the difference between financial stability and overwhelming debt after a crash. This blog breaks down exactly how UM and UIM coverage works, when you can file a claim, and why every California driver should understand what’s written in their policy.
Why UM and UIM Coverage Matters in California
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High Rate of Uninsured Drivers: According to the Insurance Research Council, roughly 1 in 6 California drivers is uninsured.
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Minimum Liability Laws Are Low: California only requires drivers to carry $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. A single hospital bill can easily exceed these limits.
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Your Protection Net: UM and UIM coverage ensures that your insurance steps in when the at-fault driver cannot cover your damages.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you when:
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The at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
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You’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
UM typically covers:
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Medical bills
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Lost wages
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Pain and suffering
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Funeral expenses (in fatal accidents)
In California, UM applies to you, your passengers, and sometimes even when you’re a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an uninsured driver.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when:
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The at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your damages.
Example:
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The other driver has California’s minimum liability coverage: $15,000 per person.
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Your hospital bills total $50,000.
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Their insurance pays $15,000, but you’re still $35,000 short.
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UIM coverage kicks in to bridge the gap, up to your policy limits.
UM vs. UIM in California: Key Differences
| Feature | UM (Uninsured Motorist) | UIM (Underinsured Motorist) |
|---|---|---|
| When It Applies | Other driver has no insurance or hit-and-run | Other driver’s coverage is too low |
| Typical Claims | Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering | Remaining costs after the at-fault driver’s policy pays |
| Coverage Limits | Matches your liability limits (e.g., $100k/$300k) | Bridges the gap between other driver’s policy and your damages |
How to File a UM/UIM Claim in California
Filing a UM UIM claim requires careful steps to avoid delays or denials.
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Report the Accident Immediately
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Notify the police (especially in hit-and-run cases).
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Get a written police report.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
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Tell them you may pursue a UM or UIM claim.
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Ask where to find your policy limits in writing.
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Collect Documentation
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Medical bills and treatment records
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Lost income verification from your employer
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Photos of the accident and vehicle damage
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Request Information About the At-Fault Driver
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If they have insurance, get their declaration page.
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Confirm their liability coverage limits.
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File Your Claim
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Submit documentation to your insurer.
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Negotiate settlement—insurers may minimize payouts.
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Consult a Lawyer if Needed
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Insurance companies often dispute UM/UIM claims.
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An attorney can review policy language, confirm stacking rules, and ensure you get full compensation.
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Common Challenges with UM/UIM Claims
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Delayed Payouts: Insurers may drag out investigations.
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Policy “Stacking”: Some policies allow you to combine UM/UIM coverage from multiple vehicles, others don’t.
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Exclusions: Carefully read your policy—some exclude coverage for specific situations.
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Proof of Hit-and-Run: UM claims often require physical evidence or a police report.
Why Californians Should Check Their Policies Today
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Look for UM/UIM Limits: Many policies default to low coverage.
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Compare to Medical Costs: Ask yourself if $15,000 would cover an ER visit, surgery, or rehab.
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Consider Raising Limits: Increasing UM/UIM coverage is often inexpensive compared to the financial risks of an accident.
JusticeGuys Can Help
At JusticeGuys, we help Californians stand up to insurers and get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t let your insurance company underpay or delay your claim.
Contact JusticeGuys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your UM/UIM policy, explain your rights, and fight to maximize your claim.
Free Downloadable PDF
Download Your Free Policy Coverage Decoder: How to Read UM/UIM Insurance in California
Confused by your insurance policy? Our free guide breaks down where to find your UM/UIM limits, what stacking means, and the steps to file a successful claim. This tool will help you understand your coverage before you ever need it.
FAQs
Q1: What does uninsured motorist coverage cover in California?
It pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver has no insurance or in a hit-and-run.
Q2: How does underinsured motorist coverage work?
UIM kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages, paying the difference up to your policy limits.
Q3: Can I file a UM claim for a hit-and-run accident?
Yes, but you must usually provide a police report or evidence that another vehicle was involved.
Q4: What are the minimum UM/UIM limits in California?
They generally match your liability limits. If you carry $100,000/$300,000 liability, your UM/UIM will likely mirror those amounts.
Q5: Do I need a lawyer for a UM/UIM claim?
Not always, but insurers often dispute or underpay these claims. A lawyer can help maximize your payout.